Importance of Professional Coders Certification for Medical Coders

Medical Coders are the qualified professionals that work in hospitals and medical offices to maintain patient’s records. They use specific coding software to assign code to every diagnosis and medical procedure used to treat patient. All codes are based on special classification system. Anyone can become professional in the field of medical coding by completing associates or bachelors level health sciences degrees with special focus on health information management and technology courses about medical billing and transcription. There are various top accredited colleges and universities in USA that provide these degrees via on-campus or online health sciences degree.

Why you should pursue Professional Certification to become certified Medical Coders?
After completing required education and training you can start your career as a medical coder in any medical office or hospital. But once you have gained some experience in this field it is very beneficial to obtain professional certification offered by renowned accrediting bodies like The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Such professional certifications provide you a competitive edge in the job market over other candidates who don’t possess certification. It also assures employers that medical coders possessing professional certifications are skilled and well qualified to perform this job. Moreover, certified medical coders can earn higher salaries as compared to non-certified professionals.

Major Accrediting Organizations offering Medical Coding Certification for Health Sciences Degree Holders
There are mainly two major professional organizations that provide professional certifications for medical coding professionals. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) are considered as highly reliable organization. Both of these organization offer online classes to reward certification to professional medical coders. Curriculum for this certification can be completed within a year via online program. Such certifications are very helpful and enhance chances to progress. As we know healthcare industry is a booming industry. That’s why medical coding professionals are in high demand like other healthcare professionals.

Benefits of Earning Medical Coding Certification
According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), certified medical coders can make 20% higher salaries as compared to non-certified professional. All professionals possessing certification from reliable accrediting bodies can take all benefits associated with such organizations. Higher salary is not a single advantage of earning certification. Moreover, excellent job opportunities are available for certified medical coders with bright opportunities for career advancement. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) conducted a survey in year 2005 and identified that certified medical coders save employers money and upgrade quality and delivery of health care facility. Moreover, coders possessing certification needs less on job training as compare to non certified professionals.

EndNote
In order to start your career as a medical coder you are required to complete relevant degree in Health Information management as well as professional certification. Affiliation with professional organization is also very helpful to find suitable job with good income. Professional certification from accredited bodies indicates the level of skills and expertise of professionals.